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Variant forms of the novel coronavirus that were first reported in South Africa and Brazil are less effectively inhibited by antibodies from recovered patients and vaccinated individuals, a new study confirms.
According to research, published in the journal Cell, recovery from COVID-19 as well as vaccination may offer incomplete protection against these mutant viral forms.
“This is worrying because the rapid spread of variants that might not be effectively inhibited by antibodies could undermine our current vaccination strategy,” said Stefan Pohlmann, co-author of the study from the German Primate Center in Göttingen.
These virus variants have mutations in the spike protein – the structure on the surface of the virus that is responsible for attachment to host cells – the researchers said.
In order for the virus to enter a cell, they said it must first attach itself to the host cell’s surface using its spike protein, located on the viral envelope.
The spike protein is also the target of antibody therapies and vaccines aimed at preventing the virus from replicating in the body, they added.
Based on the research, scientists said that an antibody used for COVID-19 therapy did not inhibit the South African and Brazilian coronavirus variants – B.1.351 and P.1.
“In addition, these variants were less well inhibited by antibodies from convalescent or vaccinated individuals, they partially bypassed the neutralizing effect of the antibodies,” said Jan Munch, another co-author of the study.
The study noted that vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 may offer reduced protection against the B.1.351 and P.1 variants of SARS-CoV-2.
“Our results show that it is important to limit the spread of the virus as much as possible until widespread vaccination is possible. Otherwise, we risk the emergence of new variants that cannot be effectively controlled by vaccines. currently available, ”said Markus Hoffmann, lead author of the study.
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